Cochin port, Vallarpadam terminal to expand as Kerala drives maritime growth

By Admin

20 Sep, 2025

Kerala is fast emerging as a maritime powerhouse, with Cochin Port and the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) set to play a pivotal role in India’s ambitious journey to become a global maritime superpower by 2047.

Expansion of Cochin Port and Vallarpadam Terminal

Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that Cochin Port and its Vallarpadam terminal will undergo further expansion to handle rising cargo volumes. This will strengthen Kerala’s position as a logistics hub in South Asia, aligning with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to attract ₹80 lakh crore in investments, generate 1.5 crore jobs, and push for green shipping initiatives.

Sagarmala Projects Driving Growth

Under the Sagarmala programme, Kerala is witnessing significant maritime investments, with 54 projects worth ₹24,000 crore in progress   20 of which are already complete. A major highlight is the Vizhinjam International Seaport, India’s first fully automated transhipment hub. Since its operations began in 2024, Vizhinjam has already handled 10.6 lakh TEUs and 500 ships, showcasing Kerala’s rising importance in global shipping.

Cochin Shipyard and Kochi Water Metro: Game Changers

Cochin Shipyard is scaling its global footprint in shipbuilding and repair, further boosting India’s shipbuilding capabilities. Complementing this industrial growth is the Kochi Water Metro   Asia’s largest integrated water transport system. With 78 electric-hybrid vessels, the Water Metro is revolutionizing urban mobility while reinforcing Kerala’s focus on sustainable development.

Tourism and Logistics on the Rise

Beyond cargo and industry, Kerala’s waterways are enhancing tourism and logistics. National Waterway 3 and Kochi’s modern cruise terminal are opening new opportunities for travel and trade. In just three years, Kochi’s cruise terminal has welcomed 105 ships and 1.4 lakh passengers, making it a key stop for global cruise liners.

India’s Maritime Vision and Global Competitiveness

Nationally, India is strengthening its port infrastructure under Sagarmala, with 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore targeted by 2035. The country’s ports have already improved efficiency, reducing average turnaround times to 0.9 days   faster than global benchmarks. With nine Indian ports ranked among the world’s top 100, the nation is steadily positioning itself as a leader in maritime trade and logistics.

Conclusion

With the expansion of Cochin Port, Vallarpadam ICTT, and Vizhinjam Seaport, combined with sustainable initiatives like the Kochi Water Metro and cruise tourism, Kerala is spearheading India’s maritime growth story. As these projects mature, the state will not only boost trade and logistics but also strengthen its reputation as a global maritime gateway, paving the way toward India’s vision of becoming a maritime superpower by 2047.